"Hear Ye! Hear Ye! I shall now read the Archduke's open letter to the people of Ellis Plains!"
When the people heard these words, all of them involuntarily slowed down to a stop. Even if they would risk getting scolded by their masters or spouses for arriving late, they couldn't ignore the words of the archduke. Moreover, it was his address towards the people for the collection week.
"To the citizens of Ellis Plains..." The messenger started after clearing his throat again. He then read the letter like how one would speak of a ducal degree. "It was no secret that fear had encroached within your hearts ever since the rumors of the current war had reached the bare walls of the archduchy. Moreover, the news of the raised taxes of neighboring duchies and territories had suffocated you.
The messenger paused and frowned to read in advance. He then cleared his throat and spoke in a different tone, more of a reassuring one to befit the contents of the letter.
